If a person is referred to as "walking a fine line," it's up to context to determine if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The tiptoe between genius and insanity? Probably good. A skilled diplomat? Definitely a compliment. But dancing on a knife edge... odds are not in your favor. Given the opportunity, any sales person will regale you with plenty of stories about near misses: almost spoiling a surprise, almost missing a deadline, almost not double-checking. He or she might even admit to occasions of "foot-in-mouth disease," wherein an innocent comment caused all kinds of embarrassing havoc, though of course not enough to lose the sale. We like those tales of disaster averted, because it reinforces the human aspect of what we do.
I would argue that anyone working under the umbrella of fashion -- clothing, jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, etc. -- is intimately familiar with the often necessary kid-gloved handling of a customer. It's tough to avoid, really, considering the emphasis this industry places on aesthetics and personal appearance; one wrinkled nose or ill-timed hesitation could derail a sale simply by conveying anything less than supportive appreciation.
This focus on looks not only dehumanizes the entire process of sales (and buying), it creates an atmosphere of artificiality -- that fine line has been crossed, and it is increasingly difficult to bring a client back to the real meaning (romance) and purpose (celebration) of the moment.
My promise to myself and my clients this season is to muster up my former dancer's grace, and remain firmly in balance between the beauty of what I'm selling and the reasons I'm selling it.